Radial Swing Portable Squat Rack

ABSTRACT

A radial swing portable squat rack is disclosed. When performing the Bulgarian or single leg squat with conventional methods, the users back (or floating) foot remains stationary or has limited forward and downward movement. This device gives optimal movement for the users back (or floating) leg so as to keep the user in a neutral (or upright) posture throughout the movement (Bulgarian or single leg squat). A pivoting foot support, secured by a frame equipped with structural supports facilitates the movement of the floating leg securely during the squat.

CONTINUITY

This application is a non-provisional patent application of provisional patent application No. 63/227,372, filed on Jul. 30, 2021, and priority is claimed thereto.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to the safety of human mobility while performing exercises, and more specifically relates to a radial swing portable squat rack which gives optimal movement for the user's back (or floating) leg so as to keep the user in a neutral (or upright) posture throughout the movement (Bulgarian or single leg squat), thereby reducing the risk of injury for a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common movement in the exercise and/or weightlifting community is called a single leg or Bulgarian Squat. This is an important movement for building strength, but it is often done with a poor posture that leads to an ineffective movement and frequently back injuries due to sustaining the poor posture during the movement.

If there were a way in which the poor posture could be easily prevented and corrected, more people could successfully perform the exercise without injury.

Thus, there is a need for a device which is configured to correct the poor posture of the person doing the movement and allows them to maintain the optimal form for the movement to prevent injury.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A common movement in the exercise and/or weightlifting community is called a single leg or Bulgarian Squat. This is an important movement for building strength, but it is often done with a poor posture that leads to an ineffective movement and frequently back injuries due to poor posture during the movement. This device corrects the poor posture of the individual performing the movement and allows them to maintain the optimal form for the movement while preventing injuries. The invention claimed herein minimizes the chance for injury while maximizing efficacy of the exercise.

By allowing movement in an arc relative to the primary axis as well as a secondary axis that allows the users foot to flex downward, this device allows the person exercising to maintain a neutral posture (perpendicular to the ground) and get their floating knee all the way to the ground without leaning forward and risking back injury as with conventional methods (stationary bench for floating leg or other racks that limit the necessary movement of the users back or “floating” leg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

FIG. 1 exhibits a view of the radial swing portable squat rack of the present invention as seen from the front.

FIG. 2A shows the present invention in use for squats by a user in the first position.

FIG. 2B shows the present invention in use for squats by a user in the second position.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention which is configured to be affixed to an existing conventional squat rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The present invention is an apparatus configured to facilitate the safe performance of Bulgarian squats by a user. The present invention includes at least one structural support (20) which provides the necessary stability for this device to sustain the forces required for performing the desired movements or exercises. In at least one embodiment, swing supports (10) fit into and slides within Structural Support (20) and lies locked into place at the appropriate height for the user using Adjustment Pins (60). Swing Arms (40) are attached to Swing Support (10) using Attachment Pins (50) and form a primary axis for movement of the users back (or floating) leg forward and backward along an arc. Foot Support (30) is made attached over an axle and provides a secondary axis for the user's foot to pivot downward during the movement (or exercise).

The structural support member (20) is positioned on the floor where the user would like to perform the exercise. Stabilizing feet (70) are present at the points at which the structural support members (20) contact the floor. Swing support (10) is positioned at the appropriate height for the user by pulling adjustment pins (60) and sliding swing support (10) laterally along the internal cavity formed by structural support (20). While facing away from Foot Support (30), the user will position their back foot on top of foot support (20) (shoelaces contacting foot support (30)). With the user's front foot planted firmly on the floor, the user will bend at the front knee while maintaining a vertical or neutral posture.

The foot support (30) is attached to Swing Arms (40) and is configured to rotate around the axis formed by Attachment Pins (50). The forward and backward rotation of the users back foot on Foot Support (30) allows the user to maintain proper posture throughout the single leg squat movement. An additional axis formed by the Foot Support (30) rotating relative to Swing Arms (40) provides additional comfort to the user that allows them to perform the full range of motion (getting back knee to contact the ground) while also maintaining proper form (vertical or neutral posture (i.e. Not leaning forward and putting unnecessary strain/stress on lower back or other parts of the body not being targeted in this exercise).

As shown in FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be attached to an existing conventional squat rack. Such embodiments are equipped with a J-Clip (100), a steel tube (110), a formed padded roller (120) supported by a steel rest frame, and bushings (130). The J-clip (100) facilitates connection of the apparatus to the existing squat rack.

Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

I claim:
 1. A portable squat rack comprising: a structural support; swing supports, said swing supports disposed in communication with said structural support; attachment pins, said attachment pins binding said swing supports to said structural support; adjustment pins, said adjustment pins disposed in communication with said swing support; swing arms, said swing arms disposed in communication with said swing supports; and a foot support, said foot support suspended from said swing arms. 